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Is the defendant in jail or in prison?
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Click here to see the custody status of the offender and to register to be notified if the defendant is released from custody.
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Do I have to go to court?
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No. The only time you have to go to court is if you receive a subpoena.
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Will I have to testify?
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Probably not. Most defendants plead guilty so a trial is no longer needed.
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What time does court begin?
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The court schedules most of the cases for 8:45am. It is up to the judge what time the case is actually heard.
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What is a status conference? What is a pre-trial conference?
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The court will schedule the case for status and pre-trial conferences to manage the case. The defendant could plead guilty at any court appearance.
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6. How will I know when court is scheduled?
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You will receive notice from the Prosecutor’s Office. You need to keep your contact information current with the Prosecutor’s Office to receive updates about your case.
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7. When can I talk to the judge?
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You can let the judge know how this crime affected your life by completing the Victim Impact Statement in a timely manner. You can speak to the judge directly at sentencing.
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8. What is a Victim Impact Statement (VIS)?
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The Victim Impact Statement is a statement you submit when requested that explains to the judge and to the assistant prosecutor how the crime affected your life. You can also ask for restitution for your out-of-pocket/uninsured losses in the statement.
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Restitution is an amount of money ordered by a judge for a defendant to pay for the victim’s requested out-of-pocket/uninsured losses. It may take many years for a defendant to pay the restitution, and the defendant may never pay the restitution in full.
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10. How can I find out about what is happening in my case?
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You can check this information portal at any time. Please contact an advocate at 201-795-6508 during office hours (Mon. - Fri., 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) and/or via email at HudsonVW@hcpo.org for assistance.
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11. If I go to court, can I bring my family or friends?
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Yes. Court is open to the public. Please call the Prosecutor’s Office of Victim Witness Advocacy at least 24 hours before the court date to confirm the date and time.
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12. Am I eligible for crime victim compensation?
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You may be eligible for reimbursement for your out-of pocket counseling, medical, and lost wages and other assistance from the New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Office.
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Or you can call the Prosecutor’s Office of Victim Witness Advocacy and speak with a victim advocate for more information and assistance in completing the application.
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13. Do crime victims have rights?
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Yes. Please see the Crime Victims Bill of Rights and the New Jersey Constitutional Amendment for Crime Victims in this informational portal.
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14. What do I do if the defendant threatens or harasses me?
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You should call the police immediately and let them know you are a victim of a crime and how the defendant is harassing or threatening you. Call the Prosecutor’s Office and ask to speak with the prosecutor or detective assigned to your case. If neither is available, contact an advocate at 201-795-6508 during office hours (Mon. - Fri., 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) and/or via email at HudsonVW@hcpo.org for assistance.
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If you have further questions about your rights, services available, or about your case, please contact an advocate at 201-795-6508 during office hours (Mon. - Fri., 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) and/or via email at HudsonVW@hcpo.org for assistance.
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